If proper care is not taken, a diabetic person may face serious complications. Some of the complications are discussed below.
Diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA is one of the most dangerous complications, which will always result in medical emergency. Insufficient insulin results in the use of ketones as fuel for the body. If this happens once in a while, it is normal, but if it becomes routine, it is dangerous. This results in the decrease of the pH value of the blood, which results in DKA. Typical symptoms include:
- Dehydration
- Rapid, deep breathing
- Abdominal pain
In an acute case, a person may have an altered state of consciousness, which leads to coma. This may prove fatal in case of delayed or improper medical treatment.
Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma or HNS is another acute complication that shares many symptoms of DKA, but the cause is very different. If blood glucose levels in a person are very high (above 300mg/dl), a higher level of glucose in the blood is disposed of by the kidneys. To compensate for fluid loss in the blood, water is drawn from the cells through osmosis. The result is water loss in great quantities, which ultimately leads to dehydration. The electrolyte balance is disturbed and may prove highly dangerous. Symptomatic lethargy may lead to coma. This is also dangerous and may prove fatal. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
Hypoglycemia or abnormally low levels of blood glucose is another severe complication. Under these conditions, the patient may behave abnormally. In extreme cases, the person may experience altered states of consciousness. Coma, seizures, brain damage, and death may be the outcome in extreme cases. There are a number of factors that lead to these conditions. Usual treatment for this complication is sugary drinks or food and, in severe cases, an injection of glucagons.